Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

Let's see your reports!
Post Reply
User avatar
kt4hx United States of America
Moderator
Moderator
Articles: 4
Online
Posts: 3489
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 12:18 am
4
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#1

Post by kt4hx »


On a whim we decided to head over to the dark site house for a one night trip as the forecast was decent – initially. However, after arrival and checking the forecasts again, things had shifted to a so-so scenario. But as long as the stars were showing I was determined to give it a go. Overall things were indeed so-so. Not horrible, at least initially, but not fantastic either. So I went with my plan to bolster my galaxy observations in Orion. So onward and upward I went.

(Equipment used)

17.5 inch f/4.5 dobsonian
ES 82 18mm (110x, 0.7° TFOV, 4.0mm exit pupil)
Ethos 13mm (152x, 0.7° TFOV, 2.9mm exit pupil)
XW 10mm (199x, 0.4° TFOV, 2.2mm exit pupil)
XW 7mm (283x, 0.2° TFOV, 1.6mm exit pupil)

(Treasure found)

NGC 1875 (Orion, lenticular galaxy, mag=13.7, size=0.8’x0.7’, SBr=12.8):
Starting on IDSA chart 61, I picked up my first target with 110x. It was nothing more than a very small and dim pip of non-stellar light. At both 152x and 199x it was easier but still a weak homogeneous little oval. Checking with 283x it was easier still but remained a weak diffuse little oval. It also has some much dimmer smaller companions, the collective known as Arp 327. However, none of these additional galaxies were seen. (New)

NGC 1633 (Taurus, barred spiral galaxy, mag=13.5, size=1.0’x0.9’, SBr=13.1):
NGC 1644 (Taurus, lenticular galaxy, mag=14.1, size=0.4’x0.3’, SBr=11.5):

Noting a pair of galaxies just over the border in Taurus, I slipped west to their field and found the close double glow forming the apex of an eastward pointed triangle with two field stars (10th and 12th mag) to their northwest and southwest. The pair were picked up initially at 110x as an extended single glow that was homogeneous and dim. Then at 152x I had two distinct small round disks just in contact, both of which sported stellar cores. Using 199x they were easier and slightly separated, but still remained weak overall within the field. (New-2)

UGC 3192 (Orion, lenticular galaxy, mag=13.2, size=1.0’x0.8’, SBr=12.8):
Back in Orion, I located this very small and dim rounded pip using 110x. Bumping up to 152x, a stellar core came into view. Then at 199x it was easier and stronger in the field, displaying a strong stellar core within its diffuse disk. (New)

MCG +0-13-35 (Orion, spiral galaxy, mag=13.7, size=0.5’x0.3’, SBr=11.5):
Continuing my foraging I next swept up this dim and small homogeneous oval glow using 110x. Stepping through 152x and 199x its contrast in the field increased but it still remained a bit weak and homogeneous to the eye. (New)

UGC 3258 (Orion, barred spiral galaxy, mag=13.1, size=0.7’x0.6’, SBr=12.0):
Picked up with 110x as a small and faint rounded homogenous glow next to a dim field star. Though more apparent at both 152x and 199x, it remained a weak entity within the field, still small and diffuse. (New)

CGCG 395-16 (Orion, spiral galaxy, mag=13.7, size=0.5’x0.4’, SBr=11.8):
Just barely discerned at 110x as a very difficult tiny rounded mote just south of a 14th mag field star. Using 152x and 199x it was more apparent though remained fairly dim. Overall it was a weak round homogenous dust bunny. Also catalogued as PGC 16922. (New)

IC 412 (Orion, spiral galaxy, mag=13.7, size=1.3’x0.6’, SBr=13.2):
IC 413 (Orion, lenticular galaxy, mag=13.8, size=0.9’x-0.7’, SBr=13.0):

Just discerned as a very small and weak non-stellar pip of light at 110x. At 152x and particularly at 199x two joined knots, both with intermittent stellar cores were seen next to a dim field star. Overall a very weak duo, particularly under the prevailing conditions of the evening. (New-2)

IC 409 (Orion, spiral galaxy, mag=13.9, size=0.7’x0.5’, SBr=12.5):
This spiral was only suspected at 110x as a tiny non-stellar pip next to a 13th mag field star. Using 152x and 199x it was confirmed and gained in visual presence, though still weak. It presented a small rounded glow with a stellar core that popped noticeably with averted vision. (New)

MCG +0-14-20 (Orion, spiral galaxy, mag=13.7, size=1.0’x0.4’, SBr=12.4):
Located 6.5’ northeast of the mag 6.4 star HD 34878, it was a small and pretty weak oval at 110x. Viewed at both 152x and 199x it remained a challenging homogenous glow involved at the eastern end of a curve of three dim field stars, which complicated the view, (New)

NGC 1740 (Orion, lenticular galaxy, mag=12.9, size=1.5’x1.2’, SBr=13.3):
Picked up at 110x, it presented a small but slightly bright thick oval. Its appearance was homogenous, and laying next to a dim 14th mag field star. Viewed with 152x and 199x it remained diffuse and was quite obvious within the general field. I also noted the 13th mag star GSC 04754-1353 about 1.5’ to the northeast that was erroneously catalogued as NGC 1742. (New)

NGC 1729 (Orion, spiral galaxy, mag=12,9, size=1.7’x1.4’, SBr=13.6):
Swept up at 110x, it presented a small and slightly bright homogenous oval. It lay inside of a triangle of two 10th and one 9th magnitude stars, It was strongly present in the field at 152x and particularly so at 199x. It also displayed an intermittent stellar core when viewed with averted vision. (New)

NGC 1678 (Orion, lenticular galaxy, mag=13,2, size=1.1’x0.8’, SBr=12,8):
Small and just slightly bright to the eye at 110x. Oval in shape it was homogenous to the eye. At 152x a stellar core now come through, pinned to the center of the obvious oval disk. Using 199x it stood out nicely in the field. (New)

MCG -1-13-30 (Orion, spiral galaxy, mag=13.0, size=0.8’x0.8’, SBr=12.4):
Found at the southern end of a line of two dim field stars, it presented a small and slightly dim round diffuse glow. At 152x it was obvious within the field and exhibited a broader brightness within the center of its envelope. Quite obvious at 199x, its broadly brighter center dominated the disk. (New)

NGC 1653 (Eridanus, elliptical galaxy, mag=12.0, size=1.5’x1.5’, SBr=12.6):
Moving northwest from Rigel, I aimed the scope at Mu Eridani (mag 4.0) then turned north. Four years ago I observed this galaxy, but did not pursue another galaxy only about 18’ farther north. Stopping for a momentary glance, NGC 1653 was a small but bright round cotton ball with a broadly brighter center.

NGC 1654 (Eridanus, spiral galaxy, mag=13.4, size=0.8’x0.8’, SBr=12.7):
Moving north from the previous galaxy I encountered this much dimmer and smaller glow using 110x. Even at 152x it remained a very dim and small round homogenous dust bunny. Viewed at 199x it was easier but still a dim presence in the FOV. (New)

NGC 1661 (Orion, spiral galaxy, mag=13.2, size=1.4’x0.9’, SBr=13.2):
Moving east from the last object, passing over a 9th magnitude field star, I crossed back into Orion. I swept up this spiral using 110x, appearing as a small and dim oval that was evenly illuminated. Moving to 152x I picked up an intermittent stellar core popping in and out in the center of the disk. Viewed with 199x it was more apparent but still remained small and dim to the eye. (New)

IC 433 (Lepus, lenticular galaxy, mag=13.2, size=0.7’x0.7’, SBr=12.2):
I now headed down into Lepus to forage just a little while conditions allowed. Over 2.5° southwest of mag 2.1 Saiph (Kappa Orionis) I located the field for this lenticular. However, I could not spot it at 110x, though 152x did the trick – barely. It appeared as a dim and small round homogenous ghost. Even at 199x it was difficult and dim. Conditions were continuing their decline. (New)

NGC 1888 (Lepus, barred spiral galaxy, mag=11.9, size=3.0’x0.8’, SBr=12.6):
NGC 1889 (Lepus, elliptical galaxy, mag=13.1, size=0.6’x0.4’, SBr=11.3):

A bit further to the west, still in northern Lepus, I located the field for this interacting pair, also catalogued as Arp 123. Viewed with 110x and 152x there was a single combined elongated oval glow. Using 199x at times I could just detect a tiny rounded bump along the eastern side of the elongated disk. This became a bit more apparent most of the time when I went to 283x. The primary galaxy, NGC 1888 was bright and very elongated with a stellar core at 283x, while NGC 1889 was a tiny round diffuse spot just off its eastern side. (New-2)

NGC 1784 (Lepus, barred spiral galaxy, mag=11.7, size=4.1’x2.6’, SBr=14.0):
Continuing west toward the Eridanus border, I located this somewhat bright oval with 110x. Just slightly large in dimension, it exhibited a broadly brighter core region. It lay next to a curving line of three stars (11th and 12th mag). Also viewed with 152x and 199x it was a strong obvious presence in the field, just below the star at the western end of the curve. The core was a bright diffuse elongation in the major axis indicative of its central bar. (New)

I next moved just over the border into Eridanus to revisit a grouping of four galaxies that I observed over four years ago with the 12 inch from our suburban backyard. While observed the brightest three of the group, the fourth member eluded me at the time, so I wanted to claim that which was missed. :)

NGC 1723 (Eridanus, barred galaxy, mag=11.7, size=2.6’x1.8’, SBr=13.1):
NGC 1721 (Eridanus, lenticular galaxy, mag=12.8, size=1.9’x1.0’, SBr=13.2):
NGC 1725 (Eridanus, lenticular galaxy, mag=12.8, size=1.2’x1.0’, SBr=12.7):
NGC 1728 (Eridanus, spiral galaxy, mag=13.9, size=2.0’x0.7’, SBr=14.0):

In the declining transparency, they were all weak at 199x to 283x. I could just discern four small and dim homogenous glows. The brightest, NGC 1723, which lay just north of the other three, and presented a small diffuse oval. The other three formed a tight east-west line of three tightly spaced dim motes. The western-most, NGC 1721 was a small oval, while the middle, NGC 1725 was round. The eastern-most, and the one missed four years ago, NGC 1728, was extremely dim and right at the threshold as a very small oval mote. (New-1)

NGC 2841 (Ursa Major, spiral galaxy, mag=9.2, size=8.1’x3.5’, SBr=12.6):
This galaxy is one of my all time favorites so with conditions heading down the tubes, and Ursa Major rising in the NNE, I decided to give it a quick look. Easily swept up at 110x it presented a large and bright elongated oval. Though not nearly as spectacular visually as it typically is under normal or better transparency, it still showed some slight mottling and a small bright core. The sharp cut-off along its eastern edge indicative of a dark lane was also noted though not as well defined as typical. (Already)

NGC 2756 (Ursa Major, spiral galaxy, mag=12.4, size=1.7’x1.2’, SBr=12.9):
About 1° WSW of 18 Ursae Majoris (mag 4.9), I picked up my last object for the night as conditions were slipping quickly. Found with 110x, it presented a small but slightly bright homogenous oval. Its appearance changed little at 152x and 199x other than becoming more prominent within the field of view. (New)

It was time to surrender to the worsening conditions. Simply put, the sky was turning to mush. Granted, I could still see far more stars than I can at home even on the best of nights there. But transparency was taking a major hit, which spells bad news for galaxy hunting. I was cold and tired and my good senses told me to move my gear back to the garage and head indoors before frustration set in! Thanks for following along and hope you get out there soon.
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
User avatar
messier 111 Canada
Universal Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9472
Joined: Mon Nov 09, 2020 2:49 am
3
Location: Canada's capital region .
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#2

Post by messier 111 »


i really like your sighting report, thx.
I LOVE REFRACTORS , :Astronomer1: :sprefac:

REFRACTOR , TS-Optics Doublet SD-APO 125 mm f/7.8 . Lunt 80mm MT Ha Doublet Refractor .

EYEPIECES, Delos , Delite and 26mm Nagler t5 , 2 zoom Svbony 7-21 , Orion Premium Linear BinoViewer .

FILTER , Nebustar 2 tele vue . Apm solar wedge . contrast booster 2 inches .

Mounts , berno mack 3 with telepod , cg-4 motorized , eq6 pro belt drive .

“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in.”
― Isaac Asimov

Jean-Yves :flags-canada:
User avatar
kt4hx United States of America
Moderator
Moderator
Articles: 4
Online
Posts: 3489
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 12:18 am
4
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#3

Post by kt4hx »


messier 111 wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:37 am i really like your sighting report, thx.
Thank you Jean-Yves. I appreciate you taking the time to read my long report. :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
User avatar
messier 111 Canada
Universal Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9472
Joined: Mon Nov 09, 2020 2:49 am
3
Location: Canada's capital region .
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#4

Post by messier 111 »


they are long yes, but ignorance even more.

ps: i hope my english is ok what i mean is i educate myself by reading your reports so i am less ignorant.
I LOVE REFRACTORS , :Astronomer1: :sprefac:

REFRACTOR , TS-Optics Doublet SD-APO 125 mm f/7.8 . Lunt 80mm MT Ha Doublet Refractor .

EYEPIECES, Delos , Delite and 26mm Nagler t5 , 2 zoom Svbony 7-21 , Orion Premium Linear BinoViewer .

FILTER , Nebustar 2 tele vue . Apm solar wedge . contrast booster 2 inches .

Mounts , berno mack 3 with telepod , cg-4 motorized , eq6 pro belt drive .

“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in.”
― Isaac Asimov

Jean-Yves :flags-canada:
User avatar
kt4hx United States of America
Moderator
Moderator
Articles: 4
Online
Posts: 3489
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 12:18 am
4
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#5

Post by kt4hx »


messier 111 wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:43 am they are long yes, but ignorance even more.

ps: i hope my english is ok what i mean is i educate myself by reading your reports so i am less ignorant.
You do quite well with your English Jean-Yves. But if you feel that reading my reports in some way helps you improve your linguistic skills, then that alone makes my writing them well worth my effort. Thank you. :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
User avatar
Bigzmey United States of America
Moderator
Moderator
Articles: 8
Online
Posts: 7548
Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 7:55 pm
4
Location: San Diego, CA USA
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#6

Post by Bigzmey »


Another fine session Alan! It has been awhile since I catch any galaxies in Orion. Actually, it has been awhile since I caught any galaxies. Disadvantage of having two week holiday break is that you have to catch up with all the work waiting for you. :lol:
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
User avatar
kt4hx United States of America
Moderator
Moderator
Articles: 4
Online
Posts: 3489
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 12:18 am
4
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#7

Post by kt4hx »


Bigzmey wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 4:28 am Another fine session Alan! It has been awhile since I catch any galaxies in Orion. Actually, it has been awhile since I caught any galaxies. Disadvantage of having two week holiday break is that you have to catch up with all the work waiting for you. :lol:
Thanks Andrey. Yeah, funny how life gets in the way of having fun! :)

I believe I have almost 30 galaxies in Orion now. Not like its major galaxy hunting ground. There are some there of course, but none that are a showpiece. The constellation is mostly about nebulae and clusters. But that is okay, as there are plenty of constellations that are rich in targets for galaxy hunters. :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
User avatar
Bigzmey United States of America
Moderator
Moderator
Articles: 8
Online
Posts: 7548
Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 7:55 pm
4
Location: San Diego, CA USA
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#8

Post by Bigzmey »


kt4hx wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 4:37 am
Bigzmey wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 4:28 am Another fine session Alan! It has been awhile since I catch any galaxies in Orion. Actually, it has been awhile since I caught any galaxies. Disadvantage of having two week holiday break is that you have to catch up with all the work waiting for you. :lol:
Thanks Andrey. Yeah, funny how life gets in the way of having fun! :)

I believe I have almost 30 galaxies in Orion now. Not like its major galaxy hunting ground. There are some there of course, but none that are a showpiece. The constellation is mostly about nebulae and clusters. But that is okay, as there are plenty of constellations that are rich in targets for galaxy hunters. :)
I thought I had a few in Orion, but apparently just one - NGC 1762. :lol: I do have a few on my 'to do' list.
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
User avatar
kt4hx United States of America
Moderator
Moderator
Articles: 4
Online
Posts: 3489
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 12:18 am
4
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#9

Post by kt4hx »


Bigzmey wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 4:43 am
kt4hx wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 4:37 am
Bigzmey wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 4:28 am Another fine session Alan! It has been awhile since I catch any galaxies in Orion. Actually, it has been awhile since I caught any galaxies. Disadvantage of having two week holiday break is that you have to catch up with all the work waiting for you. :lol:
Thanks Andrey. Yeah, funny how life gets in the way of having fun! :)

I believe I have almost 30 galaxies in Orion now. Not like its major galaxy hunting ground. There are some there of course, but none that are a showpiece. The constellation is mostly about nebulae and clusters. But that is okay, as there are plenty of constellations that are rich in targets for galaxy hunters. :)
I thought I had a few in Orion, but apparently just one - NGC 1762. :lol: I do have a few on my 'to do' list.
You should give NGC 1924 a shot. It is less than 2° west of the M42 complex. Its closeness to that showpiece is its main distinction.
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
User avatar
John Baars Netherlands
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 5
Online
Posts: 2723
Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 9:00 am
4
Location: Schiedam, Netherlands
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

TSS Photo of the Day

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#10

Post by John Baars »


Very nice report.
The double systems in particular caught my attention. Here in my hometown, I can already particularly appreciate M81 and M82 in one field of view and watch breathlessly. But so close together is a special experience, seems to me.
Refractors in frequency of use : *SW Evostar 120ED F/7.5 (all round ), * Vixen 102ED F/9 (vintage), both on Vixen GPDX.
GrabnGo on Alt/AZ : *SW Startravel 102 F/5 refractor( widefield, Sun, push-to), *OMC140 Maksutov F/14.3 ( planets).
Most used Eyepieces: *Panoptic 24, *Morpheus 14, *Leica ASPH zoom, *Zeiss barlow, *Pentax XO5.
Commonly used bino's : *Jena 10X50 , * Canon 10X30 IS, *Swarovski Habicht 7X42, * Celestron 15X70, *Kasai 2.3X40
Rijswijk Public Observatory: * Astro-Physics Starfire 130 f/8, * 6 inch Newton, * C9.25, * Meade 14 inch LX600 ACF, *Lunt.
Amateur astronomer since 1970.
User avatar
helicon United States of America
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 584
Offline
Posts: 12275
Joined: Mon May 06, 2019 1:35 pm
4
Location: Washington
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#11

Post by helicon »


Amazing catches of the galaxies in Orion Alan. I need to plan my next dark sky trip.
-Michael
Refractors: ES AR152 f/6.5 Achromat on Twilight II, Celestron 102mm XLT f/9.8 on Celestron Heavy Duty Alt Az mount, KOWA 90mm spotting scope
Binoculars: Celestron SkyMaster 15x70, Bushnell 10x50
Eyepieces: Various, GSO Superview, 9mm Plossl, Celestron 25mm Plossl
Camera: ZWO ASI 120
Naked Eye: Two Eyeballs
Latitude: 48.7229° N
User avatar
kt4hx United States of America
Moderator
Moderator
Articles: 4
Online
Posts: 3489
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 12:18 am
4
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#12

Post by kt4hx »


John Baars wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 11:45 am Very nice report.
The double systems in particular caught my attention. Here in my hometown, I can already particularly appreciate M81 and M82 in one field of view and watch breathlessly. But so close together is a special experience, seems to me.
Thank you John. I agree that pairs of galaxies, particularly those that present a contact pair, or nearly in contact, are special visual treats. They present a unique challenge in trying to distinguish them as separate systems. The closest thing I can relate it to is trying to split a tight double star, only you are dealing with extended diffuse light, which can complicate the task because the two glows can meld together making separation difficult at times. But challenges are what trains our eyes and makes us more skilled observers. :)

helicon wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:33 pm Amazing catches of the galaxies in Orion Alan. I need to plan my next dark sky trip.
Thank you Michael. I wish you good luck with your dark site trip when it come to fruition. :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
User avatar
Makuser United States of America
In Memory
In Memory
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 6394
Joined: Mon May 06, 2019 12:53 am
4
Location: Rockledge, FL.
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

TSS Photo of the Day

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#13

Post by Makuser »


Hi Alan. Another superb report from you. Wow, that's a nice list of "treasures" in Orion. A very informative and well written fun read observing report. Thanks for putting this up on here for us to learn and enjoy Alan, and the best of wishes for more opportunities at the dark site house again soon.
Marshall
Sky-Watcher 90mm f/13.8 Maksutov-Cassegrain on motorized Multimount
Orion Astroview 120ST f/5 Refractor on EQ3 mount
Celestron Comet Catcher 140mm f/3.64 Schmidt-Newtonian on alt-az mount
Celestron Omni XLT150R f/5 Refractor on CG4 mount with dual axis drives.
Orion 180mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain on CG5-GT Goto mount.
Orion XT12i 12" f/4.9 Dobsonian Intelliscope.
Kamakura 7x35 Binoculars and Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 Binoculars. ZWO ASI 120MC camera.
>)))))*>
User avatar
kt4hx United States of America
Moderator
Moderator
Articles: 4
Online
Posts: 3489
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 12:18 am
4
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#14

Post by kt4hx »


Makuser wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 11:33 pm Hi Alan. Another superb report from you. Wow, that's a nice list of "treasures" in Orion. A very informative and well written fun read observing report. Thanks for putting this up on here for us to learn and enjoy Alan, and the best of wishes for more opportunities at the dark site house again soon.
Thank you Marshall. Orion is such a popular constellation for objects other than galaxies, so its fun to go off the well beaten track to find its other lesser known treasures. :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
User avatar
Falcon 63 Australia
Mars Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 142
Joined: Thu May 23, 2019 6:43 am
4
Location: Perth Western Australia
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

TSS Photo of the Day

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#15

Post by Falcon 63 »


G'day Alan,

Fantastic report my friend.
For a so so night conditions wise....you put an impressive list together.
Nice to see the big cannon out.

Cheers
Wayne.
Telescopes Saxon 10" x 1200 Dobsonian, Bresser 114 x 500 Dobsonian, Saxon 70 x 400 Refractor.
Eyepieces ES 82* 2" 18mm, 1.25" 11mm, GSO 2" 30mm superview, Seben mzt 8-24, Sky Watcher 58* 4mm and various Plossls.
Bino's Saxon 10 x 50, Carton 12 x 50, 10 x 25 ucf.
Other Skywatcher Solar System Imager
User avatar
kt4hx United States of America
Moderator
Moderator
Articles: 4
Online
Posts: 3489
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 12:18 am
4
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#16

Post by kt4hx »


Falcon 63 wrote: Thu Jan 28, 2021 3:32 pm G'day Alan,

Fantastic report my friend.
For a so so night conditions wise....you put an impressive list together.
Nice to see the big cannon out.

Cheers
Wayne.
Thank you Wayne. I appreciate you taking the time to read the report. Its nice to see you stopping by and hope you will do so more frequently, as I miss your sketches buddy.
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
User avatar
Falcon 63 Australia
Mars Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 142
Joined: Thu May 23, 2019 6:43 am
4
Location: Perth Western Australia
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

TSS Photo of the Day

Re: Observing Report for 14 January 2021 - chasing galaxies in Orion and elsewhere

#17

Post by Falcon 63 »


kt4hx wrote: Thu Jan 28, 2021 9:25 pm
Falcon 63 wrote: Thu Jan 28, 2021 3:32 pm G'day Alan,

Fantastic report my friend.
For a so so night conditions wise....you put an impressive list together.
Nice to see the big cannon out.

Cheers
Wayne.
Thank you Wayne. I appreciate you taking the time to read the report. Its nice to see you stopping by and hope you will do so more frequently, as I miss your sketches buddy.
That's the plan Alan, I have been at the eyepiece space trucking for a new target.
Telescopes Saxon 10" x 1200 Dobsonian, Bresser 114 x 500 Dobsonian, Saxon 70 x 400 Refractor.
Eyepieces ES 82* 2" 18mm, 1.25" 11mm, GSO 2" 30mm superview, Seben mzt 8-24, Sky Watcher 58* 4mm and various Plossls.
Bino's Saxon 10 x 50, Carton 12 x 50, 10 x 25 ucf.
Other Skywatcher Solar System Imager
Post Reply

Create an account or sign in to join the discussion

You need to be a member in order to post a reply

Create an account

Not a member? register to join our community
Members can start their own topics & subscribe to topics
It’s free and only takes a minute

Register

Sign in

Return to “Astronomy Reports”