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(IAAC) Object: M31 (Great Andromeda Galaxy) - Instrument: Newt 12.5" f/4.8
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To: Internet Amateur Astronomers Catalog <netastrocatalog@atmob.org>
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Subject: (IAAC) Object: M31 (Great Andromeda Galaxy) - Instrument: Newt 12.5" f/4.8
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From: Lew Gramer <dedalus>
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Date: Tue, 18 Jun 96 18:05:30 -0400
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Reply-To: netastrocatalog@atmob.org
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Sender: owner-netastrocatalog
Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-16, 22:15 UT
Location: Bath, ME, USA (44N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 7.1
Seeing: 3 - medium
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 12.5" f/4.8
Magnification: 55x, 85x, 110x, 170x
Filters used: none
Object: M31 (Great Andromeda Galaxy)
Category: Spiral galaxy
Constellation: And
Data: mag 3.4 size 178'x40'
RA/DE: 00h42m +41o16m
Description: Words always fail me when describing the Great Galaxy!
I have not seen it in a large-aperture scope since I was a teenager,
and doing so in this dark sky was a treat! The central core of the
galaxy (maybe 45" dia?) was clearly distinguishable, as was a wider
elongated concentration of about 10'x5'. A dust arc just 5' S of
this central concentration was also glimpsed. A broad spiral dust
lane N of the center extended 45' E and 20' N, exhibiting obvious
(and beautiful)curvature. Another, inner spiral dust lane S of the
center, extending about 20' N-S, was also glimpsed. I can't wait to
see this object in dark skies once it's at higher elevation! NOTE:
Higher powers, especially 170x, were necessary for seeing some of
this detail! There's no lack of light from M31, so magnify it!