[Prev][Next][Index][Thread][Search][Objects]

(IAAC) Obj: M79 (NGC 1904) - Inst: 17" f/15 classical Cassegrain equatorial



----

Observer: Dave Mitsky
Your skills: Intermediate (some years)
Date/time of observation: 98/11/29 07:18 UT
Location of site: ASH Naylor Observatory, Lewisberry, PA, USA (Lat 40.1, Elev 390 m)
Site classification: Exurban
Sky darkness: >5.0 <Limiting magnitude>
Seeing: 5 <1-10 Seeing Scale (10 best)>
Moon presence: None - moon not in sky
Instrument: 17" f/15 classical Cassegrain equatorial
Magnification: 118, 202, 259x
Filter(s): None
Object(s): M79 (NGC 1904)
Category: Globular cluster.
Class: V
Constellation: Lepus
Data: mag 7.7  size 8.7'
Position: RA 05:24  DEC -24:33
Description:

M79 is one of the few globular clusters in the winter sky.  This 100 light year 
diameter ball of stars is located just to the northeast of the fifth magnitude 
binary star ADS 3954.  At 118x M79 seemed to be mostly symmetrical.  A bright core
was easily seen.  Increasing the magnification to 202x resulted in a hint of 
resolution and an improved view of several sprays of outlying stars.  When I upped
the power again to 259x the stars of M79 appeared to be partially resolved.  After
seeing Yann Pothier's request for observations of M79 I viewed the 41,000 light year
distant object with an 8" f/6 Newtonian at magnifications ranging from 38 to 81x 
and a 12.5" f/6.5 Newtonian at magnifications ranging from 64 to 165x (11/16/98 UT).
Although the conditions were somewhat better that night no real resolution was 
achieved.
--
Optional related URLs: 
** This observing log automatically submitted via the Web from:
  http://www.visualdeepsky.org/enter-log.html
To UNSUBSCRIBE from the 'netastrocatalog' lists, use the Web form at:
http://www.visualdeepsky.org/subscribe.html