4 replies to this topic

[PhilH]

Finding AGC 1060 is a simple task as long as you can spot 4.5-magnitude SAO 179041. This red giant sun overlaps the center of the cluster and lies 4¼° north of Alpha (α) Antliae. Of course, finding Alpha Antliae presents its own challenge, since it shines at only magnitude 4.2 and lies far from any handy reference stars.

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[Jon Isaacs]

Phil:

 

Thanks for another cosmic challenge.  It looks to be clear tonight, so I'll be taking a look.

 

I'm looking at Sky Safari and mapping out a star hop to SAO 179041. I'm thinking Mu Hydrae to the SAO 155980, mag 6.1, about 3 degrees. 

 

Mu Hydrae is the guide star I use for the Ghost of Jupiter  and it's right in the middle so I'll stop off for a visit.

 

Then to 44 Hydrae, mag 5.1 about 4.7 degrees.

 

And then to SAO 179041, about 3.7 degrees.

 

My 10 x 50 mm finder has a 6.4 degree field so these should be doable. 

 

I'm looking forward to some fun. 

 

Jon

[Jon Isaacs]

A quick update:

 

I've spent an hour or two each of these last two nights viewing the region around SOA 179041 with the 22 inch, lots of stuff to see and identify.  The star hop did work out.

 

It's pretty low in the sky even from my southerly location with its open southern view so keep that in mind.

 

Jon

[TelescopeBah]

Hey Jon! Wish I could have been there with your 22"! But I did have some fun myself last night! I was able to find the spot without any trouble, and was able to make out at the least four of the galaxys for sure, but I think I may have seen six or seven, in my 12". It was really fun picking them out! The cluster transits at about 40° here. LORD willing I'm going to be observing them again tonight to see if I can pick out any More. Thanks again Phil for the fun challenge!!

[TelescopeBah]

Well I had a great observing session last night! I was able to identify 11 of the galaxys. Here is a list of what I was able to see with a 12"
NGC3307mag.14.5 (averted vision)
NGC3308mag.12.9
NGC3309mag.12.6
NGC3311mag.11.6
NGC3312mag.12.7
NGC3314Amag.14
NGC3314Bmag.13.5 (averted vision)
NGC3315mag.14.4
NGC3316mag.13.6
IC2597mag12.8
PGC31588mag15