15 replies to this topic

[UnityLover]

As we all know, there's a triplet in Leo. These 3 galaxies, ordered in difficulty, m66, m65, and finally NGC3628.

Took me about an hour, but I was able to sketch all three.

M66 was bright, expected due to its surface brightness of about 20. It took on an irregular, tear drop shape, appearing similar to a flame floating in space, neatled near a quadrilateral of stars.

M65 was dim, yet conspicuous. It's surface brightness is about 20.7, making it quite a bit harder than m66, buts it's still rather easy with averted vision. It appeared as if it was a tear in space, as a very elliptical oval Streak of consistent brightness.

NGC 3628, however, was a different story. It was much harder than the two, barely visible with averted vision. Once I found it, it was a bit easier, but still was difficult to see. It's surface brightness is about 21.6, which follows the scale of other galaxies. It appeared simply as a small blob. Heres the sketch:

[UnityLover]

Notes written down:

M66 looks rather amorphous, looks like a blob, deformed into a teardrop shape. M65 is rather normal, as a faint yet conspicuous Streak of light.

Ngc 3628 Is at the edge of my visual acuity, appearing as a very faint blob. Stars are sprinkled lightly.

[Procyon Lotor]

Nice work. What equipment were you using for the observation?

[UnityLover]

Nice work. What equipment were you using for the observation?

My 5 inch reflector.

Used an 18mm 65 degree eyepiece to set the stage, and my zoom set on 10mm to inch out detail in the galaxies.

Skies were somewhere near 20 in sqm.

[nitsky]

THAT is what a camera can't capture!

That is a PERFECT rendition of what you saw....and what someone else can hope to see. Made more perfect by your description. 

Hack

[John Bali]

 A fine sketch and also your observation descriptions.  Fun to read them.

 

Tonight to be finally clear.  Have these three galaxies on my list.

 

John 

[UnityLover]

THAT is what a camera can't capture!

That is a PERFECT rendition of what you saw....and what someone else can hope to see. Made more perfect by your description. 

Hack

The description carried it, I'm not the best drawer of texture and the glow of galaxies. 

Though, I can describe!

[UnityLover]

This sketch took me a long time, because of the third galaxy that was rather dim.

 

Next one is gonna be of m95 and m96, m105 and ngc 3384, and I might be able to tease out ngc 3389! Although it is about .2 magnitudes dimmer than ngc 3628 in surface brightness, it's core isn't obstructed by a dark lane like in is in ngc 3628, so with luck I can capture not twins, nor triplets, not even quadruplets, but septuplets!

All in one sketch!

May observe them in Sunday, though I have school on Monday so I may not be able to stay as late as I did last time (found the object at 9:30, studied them till about 10:15, finished the sketch near 10:50 or so.)

It may be a long wait until the next weekend, but who knows...

[UnityLover]

Apparently ngc 3628 has an sb of 22 mag, meaning I actually did a good job, pushing around 2 magnitudes past the sky!

[bphaneuf]

A fine rendering with accurate placement and appropriate values in your sketch. You’re off to a great start! Keep this up and you’ll be amazed at the progress you make in the coming weeks and months. Good attention to detail in your report!
Clear skies and dry paper to yo,
-b

[bphaneuf]

As for 3628, took me a couple times to see it at first. Your younger eyes are a terrific asset. Tricks of the trade will make your observations even more productive.

[UnityLover]

As for 3628, took me a couple times to see it at first. Your younger eyes are a terrific asset. Tricks of the trade will make your observations even more productive.

Shockingly saw it the first night of trying for it!
(Did take me a solid time though...)

[bphaneuf]

Can’t say enough for spending extended time at the eyepiece.

[JayinUT]

Your observations with notes and sketch I love! It reminds me of my early days of sketching. I love how you've started and will be excited to see how your grow as an observer as you continue to sketch! 

[UnityLover]

When I finally get a single clear night you can see my next one!

 

Your observations with notes and sketch I love! It reminds me of my early days of sketching. I love how you've started and will be excited to see how your grow as an observer as you continue to sketch! 

[Spile]

Well done as NGC3628 has eluded my 67 year olds eyes and semi-urban skies thus far. I keep trying though.