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(IAAC) OBJECT: NGC 4710 (galaxy) INST: 18" f/4.2 Newtonian
Observer: Todd Gross
Your skill: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: 1/26/99 09:09GMT
Location & latitude: 22 mi. West of Boston, Ma. 42.3N
Site classification: Suburban
Limiting magnitude (visual): 5.2(estimated) zenith
Seeing (1 to 10 - worst-best): about 4
Moon up (phase?): No
Weather: Clear, partial snowcover (light pollution)
Instrument: 18" Stabilite Newt f/4.2 1925mm fl
Magnifications: 82x,117x,128x (binovue)
Filters used: none
Object: NGC4710
Constellation: COM
Object data: Edge on galaxy
Size(s): 4.9x1.2 arc min
Position: RA:12:50 DEC:+15:10
Magnitude: 11
Personal "rating" (at this aperture, and sky condition): B
This galaxy made me think about writing a book about suburban
galaxy hunting! In this session I viewed Hickson61, Hickson 44,
NGC4567(nice), NGC4654,NGC4216,NGC4477,NGC4459,NGC4565(wow) and this, NGC4710.
Most of these are in Virgo and Leo. This galaxy is one of the few that
stands out against the "grey" suburban skies at all magnifications. High
surface brightness.
Very interesting (but small) object. It looks much like a flying saucer
edge-on, kinda like a small version of M104. However, instead of there being
a dark lane running along the axis, there is either a real, or illusionary
darkening/mottling, whatever, on either side of the very substantial central
bulge. These darkenings, run perpendicular to the axis, in effect they seem
to
give the impression of cutting off, or rather, highlighting the central bulge
relative to the fairly short beefy extentions on either side. At first
glance,the
galaxy looks somewhat like the planet saturn, as a kindergartner may
draw it edge-on, or perhaps a juvenille drawing of a flying saucer.
(in actuality, when edge on , saturns rings are actually thin and even
disappear)
Todd Gross
thanks!
-Todd
Boston Meteorologist Todd Gross
toddg@weatherman.com
http://www.weatherman.com
(617)725-0777
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