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(IAAC) Obj: Abell 194 galaxy cluster, LEDA 73958, PGC 5314 - Inst: 16" LX-200, 10" f/4.5 Newt


[Jeff posted the following log and request for input well over a
year ago... I'm reposting it now to ensure that it is accessible
in our Archive of observations. By the way, Jeff, your observing
posts were very nicely written, and more are always encouraged!
   -Lew Gramer <owner-netastrocatalog@atmob.org>
]

Observer: Jeff Medkeff
Your skills: Advanced (many years)
Date/time of observation: Fall
Location of site: (Lat , Elev )
Site classification: Exurban
Sky darkness: Fairly dark
Moon presence: None - moon not in sky
Instrument: 16" LX-200, 10" f/4.5 Newt
Magnification: Not specified
Filter(s): None
Object(s): Abell 194 galaxy cluster, LEDA 73958, PGC 5314
Category: Galaxy cluster.
Class: 0 L
Constellation: Cet
Data: mag 13.9;  size 20'
Position: 0125.6 -0130
Description:
I'm about midway through a sketch of this galaxy cluster, of which NGC 541
might be considered the leading visual member, using a new white-on-black
medium that I am trying out. This group includes six NGC galaxies, all of
which are fairly easy to see in a 16" under the local skies (which are
fairly dark). (All are also visible in my 10", though three of them are
tough objects in that scope.)
--
I'm beginning to think of this cluster as rather underrated. Kepple/Sanner
describe three of the member galaxies in their new (and already standard)
book and also mention the richness of the cluster, but no source I have on
hand gives any more detailed treatment of the other cluster members. In
addition to the six NGC galaxies, there are at least eight more visible at
the eyepiece of the 16" in about a 20 minute area.
--
One of these is LEDA 73958 (=DRCG 7-52), which is catalogued at B magnitude
16.4 (which probably has no applicability to visual observations, of
course). This galaxy was on the limits of vision with the 16" tonight for
both me and an observing partner, but tonight wasn't a terribly good night.
In addition to this one, PGC 5314 (=MCG 0- 4-140 = CGCG 385-129 = DRCG 7-
44) was also visible, this one quite easy (LEDA calls this one B magnitude
14.9, the PGC offers 15.0). A trio of elongated galaxies on the south end
of the group, which includes two PGC's and an NGC object, were also in
fairly obvious evidence.
--
Can anyone here share an observation of this cluster, particularly with
respect to identifying the dimmest galaxies visible with a given instrument
at that time? I have probably one more shot at finishing this sketch before
the moon gets in the way, and I'd like to cheat off someone else's exam if
possible to make sure I am mopping everything up properly. The goal here is
more to test the sketch medium, than to break new observational ground.

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