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(IAAC) OBJECT: NGC3115 (Spindle Galaxy) INST: 16" f/4.59 Newt.
Observer: Todd Gross
Your skill: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: 12/22/97 07:55GMT
Location & latitude: 22 miles west of Boston, Ma. 42.3N
Site classification: Suburban
Limiting magnitude (visual): 4.8 (estimated) 4.7 (est) in vicinity of object
Seeing (1 to 10 - worst-best): 4
Moon up (phase?): Yes, 40%
Weather: Clear
Instrument: 16" Newtonian-dob w. 96/99% coatings f/4.59 f.l. 1865
Magnifications: 124x&170x&267 (binoviewer),359x
Filters used: none
Object: NGC3115
Constellation: Sextons
Object data: Edge-on galaxy
Size(s): 1x3 arc. min.
Position: RA 10:05 DEC -07:42
Magnitudes: 9.2
Personal "rating" (at this aperture, and sky condition): B
This is a very high surface brightness galaxy, being so small. It is
perfect for scopes in suburban/moonlit skies.
Galaxy was very easy to spot at first glance, with it's very bright small
core, somewhat elongated. With averted vision, relative to the core,
the galaxy reaches out quite far. Edge-on in appearance and resembling
the Sombrero galaxy to some degree, but w/o the obvious dark lane of M104.
The arms reach out far relative to the center because of how thin
the galaxy is. In addition, along the precise plane of the galaxy,
roughly West to East, the arms seem to be even brighter so that with
averted vision, the impression is of brighter arms at the exact axis,
falling off on either side (N-S) a bit. Galaxy is oriented pretty much W-E
Just as good in the binoviewer at this aperture than single eyepiece.
Thanks!
- Todd
___________________________
Boston Meteorologist Todd Gross
toddg@weatherman.com
http://www.weatherman.com
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